The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, describing the conflict as “a stain on our collective conscience”.
Speaking to the United Nations Security Council to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, António Guterres urged member states to fully fund humanitarian assistance and stressed that any settlement must uphold the country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Guterres warned that ongoing fighting poses direct risks to the safe operation of Ukraine’s nuclear sites, describing the situation as an “unconscionable game of nuclear roulette” that must cease immediately.
Referring to United Nations monitoring, he said more than 15,000 civilians have been killed and more than 41,000 injured since the start of the invasion, including approximately 3,200 children. Millions have fled their homes, while over one-third of displaced children, an estimated 2.2 million, still require humanitarian support.
Condemning attacks on civilians and infrastructure, Guterres stressed, “International humanitarian law is unequivocal: attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited. I condemn all such attacks, no matter where they occur.”
He also welcomed ongoing prisoner exchanges and urged that detainees be treated humanely and released in accordance with international law, including the return of Ukrainian children transferred to Russia or occupied areas.
While commending the efforts of the United States and other nations to promote peace, Guterres emphasised that concrete measures are needed to de-escalate the conflict and create space for diplomacy.
“Enough with the death. Enough with the destruction. Enough with the broken lives and shattered futures,” he said.
“It is time for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire. This is the first step towards a just peace that saves lives and ends the endless suffering,” he added.
His remarks were read on his behalf by Rosemary DiCarlo, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding.
As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, the humanitarian and security challenges remain acute.
Civilians continue to face devastating consequences, while UN officials and global leaders persist in calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire and sustained humanitarian assistance.
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Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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